Financial Aid Basics

For many students, financial aid can greatly affect their decision about whether or not to attend college, or which institution they attend. Because of its importance, the decision to apply for financial aid, and which programs to accept, should be made only with a complete understanding of the process, requirements, benefits, and responsibilities.

UF offers financial aid for the express purpose of helping students pay their educationally related expenses. Such aid is usually provided by federal, state, institutional, or private agencies. If you are eligible for assistance, SFA will offer you a financial aid package, which could consist of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or student employment (solely or in combination).

SFA recognizes that each student’s financial situation is unique and strives to develop policies and procedures that treat each student fairly and equitably while taking into account special circumstances.

Who Should Apply for Aid?

All students who think they need financial assistance should apply. The only way to tell if you’re eligible to receive aid is to apply. Many factors are taken into account when awarding aid. Currently, more than seventy percent of students at UF receive some form of financial assistance.

A Summary of Federal Aid

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When Should You Apply?

Although you must be accepted for enrollment at UF before you are considered for financial aid, you should apply for aid before being admitted. Complete the FAFSA at https://fafsa.ed.gov/fafsa.ed.gov. You can file a 2018-19 FAFSA as early as October 1, 2017. You can file a 2019-20 FAFSA as early as October 1, 2018. UF’s “On-Time” deadline to receive the results of your 2019-20 FAFSA from the federal processor is December 15, 2018. Apply well before December 15, 2018 to ensure that the federal processor has time to analyze and send the results of your 2019-20 FAFSA to our office.

Financial aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis so apply as early as possible to be considered for the most, and best aid.

In order for us to consider you for a financial aid package, you must be an admitted student and have met the “On-Time” deadline.

Beginning with the 2009-10 academic year, the Florida Legislature enacted a rule, known as the Excess Hours Fee. The rule is an attempt to encourage students to finish their degrees in a timely fashion.

Students who entered UF as an undergraduate between and including fall of 2009 and summer of 2011 are subject to a threshold percentage of 120%, meaning that for credits beyond 120% of the number of credits required for their degree, they will have to pay an additional surcharge equalling 50% of their tuition.

Students entering UF as undergraduates in fall of 2011 or thereafter are subject to a 115% threshold, meaning for credits beyond 115% of the number of credits required for their degree, they will have to pay an additional surcharge equalling 50% of their tuition.

The rule considers failed courses, drops, withdrawals (general), repeats, and all accepted transfer credits as hours towards a bachelor’s degree. There are many types of credit hours that are excluded from the calculation of hours, including hours earned through accelerated mechanisms such as AP, IB, dual enrollment, etc. The bill’s full text is available http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2009/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s1696er.pdfhere.

funds are available for summer awards after fall/spring semester needs have been met, or

a student chooses to use aid originally awarded for fall or spring term during the summer.

Students that have completed a FAFSA and enroll for summer will be considered for all available summer aid programs. Most aid programs require students to be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) for financial aid awards to disburse.

Other Sources of Aid

The following are additional sources of aid other than SFA. Students receiving funds through these sources while also applying for aid through SFA must notify us of this assistance as soon as they receive notification.

Students who need special assistance in applying for aid can contact SFA at (352) 392-1275 for an appointment. When applying for aid through SFA, students
with disabilities may qualify for an increase in their educational budgets
to cover disability-related expenses. DSO helps determine disability-related
expenses not offered or provided by other agencies.